Parents' Guide To Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism - California ...

What Is The Treatment For Primary Congenital
Hypothyroidism?
Once this disorder is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe thyroid
hormone for the baby. Thyroid hormone, also called thyroxine
or T 4
, comes in tablets. The baby’s doctor will tell you how much of
the tablet or how many tablets to give your baby each day. It is very
important that the baby receive enough thyroid hormone to grow
and develop normally but not more than is needed. It is important to
follow the doctor’s instruction carefully.
With early and ongoing treatment, your baby should develop normally,
both physically and mentally. In the majority of cases of primary
congenital hypothyroidism, the treatment is lifelong. Blood tests will be
done on a regular basis to determine if your child is getting the right
amount of thyroid hormone. Remember that your baby is an individual
and will develop his or her own growth pattern and intellectual ability.
As he/she gets older her dose may change.
How To Give Thyroid Hormone
Be sure to give your baby thyroid hormone medicine every day.
Only thyroxine tablets should be used. According to the America
Academy of Pediatrics recommended guidelines, there are no Food
and Drug Administration-approved liquid forms of thyroxine.
Thyroxine suspensions prepared by individual pharmacists may lead
to unreliable dosage.
Give the tablets at the same time every day and make it a part
of your routine so you do not forget.
With newborn infants, the tablets need to be crushed and given very
carefully. When your infant is older, it will be easier to give. There
are several ways you can give the thyroid medicine.
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